Historic Madrid Tour

Price:
You choose!
Basic Information
Total time
2 h 15 min
Price
„Pay what you wish” tours do not have a fixed price. It is up to you to evaluate your guide’s work and reward it. Some people give 10€, others 50€ depending on their satisfaction and abilities.
Meeting point
Puerta del Sol, in front of the statue of Carlos III. Look for a yellow-orange umbrella.Go to map
This tour is provided by our partner

About

Madrid was once a capital of the powerful Spanish Empire, whose influence reached every continent. A city that changed hands many times and eventually became the capital thanks to the Habsburgs, who moved the capital here from the stately Toledo (a city combining Christianity, Islam, and Judaism), but truly blossomed under the Bourbons. Here the decisions were made that resulted in colonial conquests (like the one of Christopher Columbus) and the expansion of the empire further and further. A mix of amazing architecture funded by far-flung expeditions that always attracted poets and artists – Cervantes, Velázquez, Goya and Picasso to name but a few. Here sits one of the world’s greatest museums, the Prado.  


On our tour, we will explore the oldest parts of Madrid. We’ll start at the symbolic entrance to the city, the Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate), from where we’ll head into Madrid’s narrow streets. Expect the Spanish Inquisition (although no one expects the Spanish Inquisition!) and a solid dose of historical knowledge about the city, from the Habsburgs and the Bourbons up to the dark times of the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. But it will be much more than a historical lesson. We will also learn where the bullfights – corridas – were held and why native Madridis call themselves “Gatos” (Cats). You will also get to know what you have to do to become a Cat. We will show you what the local people eat and where they drink, that is a must as nowadays Madrid is considered to be one of the European culinary hotspots.


Today, its old grandeur faded away somewhat, but Madrid is still a vibrant and captivating metropolis. A place that despite being colder than most of Spain (it’s located at an altitude of 667 meters!) still exudes a hot Spanish soul! Experience it yourself by going to a party in Madrid or attending a Real Madrid match at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu! But most of all by joining our tour, learning its history and getting to know the true soul of Madrid!


On this 2 h 15 min tour we will see and discover:



  • Puerta del Sol square – the beating heart of the city

  • why calamari is so important to the Madrid diet

  • Plaza Mayor – the most recognizable square of Madrid

  • the oldest restaurant… in the world!

  • Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral

  • …and much, much more!


After visiting Madrid do check our tours in other Spanish cities: Seville and Cordoba!  


Meeting Point
Puerta del Sol, in front of the statue of Carlos III. Look for a yellow-orange umbrella.

BOOKING RULES
Our pay as you wish tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups. We don’t accept parties of more than 7 people on them. If you travel in a party of 8 or more (school groups, bigger groups of friends etc.), please choose a paid option, if it's available, or book a Private Tour. For more information on the latter, please contact us.



A Great Time with Pablo

Rated 5.0 out of 5
1 month ago

Pablo was a great guide from welcoming to saying goodbye. He was engaging and fun, yet serious about the information presented. I would be pleased to take a tour with him again sometime.

Eugene Jenneman

Historic Madrid with Pablo

Rated 5.0 out of 5
1 month ago

Pablo was a perfect tourguide! He told as interesting facts in a very nice way. It was fun listening to him. The tour was wonderful we saw a lot in Madrid and did not get bored. Thank you so much Pablo!

Elisa

Perfect tour with Melissa

Rated 5.0 out of 5
1 month ago

I expected a nice tour and in fact it was more than that! Interesting, a lot of important facts and what I love – personality of our guide Melissa! So many good historical jokes and anecdotes plus great sense of humor. Entire group loved her. Melissa! I am single. Would you be my wife!?

Damian

Excellent tour with Melissa!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
3 months ago

Melissa really brought the tour to life with her animation, humor and thorough knowledge of Madrid’s history. Our 10 and 12 year old kids also found this tour engaging. Thank you!

Kim Quiroz

Tour with Pablo

Rated 5.0 out of 5
3 months ago

It was a great tour, informative and engaging, I would really recommend this tour of you’d like to experience the history of Madrid in a fun way!

Janos

This tour is also available as
a Private Tour.

Private tour